"THE SEED PICKER" Acts 17:18 I. Introduction. A. Paul in Athens: 1. Note: Acts 17:18. 2. Consider Athens & Mars Hill. 3. A place of reasoning. B. Consider Paul. 1. Hebrew of Hebrews: Philippians 3:5. 2. Pharisee: Philippians 3:5. 3. Educated by Gamaliel(Acts 5:34): Acts 22:3. 4. Honest & Sincere(when learned truth). 5. Aggressive for right. 6. Conscientious: Acts 23:1. II. Body. A. Recount incident on Mars Hill: Acts 17. 1. Note: Babbler(Acts 17:18). a. Literally: Seed picker. b. Of birds, picking up small seeds for food. c. Later: Idlers(hangers-on) in marketplace-- picking up scraps found along the way. B. What about this "seed picker?" 1. Remember his background. 2. Study Acts: see those with whom he conversed/ contended. 3. Study his epistles! 4. Consider that Peter said:II Peter 3:15-16. C. Saul picked up enough knowledge to accept truth when presented. 1. Not so engrossed in being a Jew to ignore the obvious! 2. Hardly a "seed picker" here. 3. Note: Acts 26:25. 4. One observed, "Thy much learning has driven you mad." D. Saul's knowledge(and inspiration) placed him in an immediate position of leadership(apostle). 1. God so chose: Romans 1:1. 2. Even when challenged: I Corinthians 9:1. 3. Yet--his humility: I Corinthians 15:9. E. Paul could confront and teach men/women of all levels of life. 1. Even on Mars Hill(Acts 17). a. At one of the very seats of human knowledge. b. He had knowledge/wisdom they did not possess. 2. Rulers. a. Festus(Acts 25). b. Agrippa(Acts 26). 3. Business/professional(Lydia: Acts 16). 4. Religious leaders(Council: Acts 23:1). 5. Political leaders(Sergius Paulus: Acts 13:7, 12). 6. Military(Centurion: Acts 27:43). 7. Barbarians(Acts 28:7-10). 8. The common people(Aquilla & Priscilla). 9. Paul had the same message for each class. F. There are real "seed pickers" in religion(& the church). 1. Know just enough to confuse others. 2. Know just enough to be dangerous. 3. The cure: II Timothy 2:15. III. Conclusion. A. Paul's life & works show how he was no "seed picker." B. But in the eyes of the wise of this world--perhaps he was viewed as one with "scraps" of knowledge. C. The simple gospel he preached may have been too simplistic for many of the world's wise.